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Three fun facts about our new Social Worker, Mrs. Shelly Curry: 1.) She enjoys playing board games2.) Her favorite book is "The Glass Castle" 3.) She loves to shop!
But, perhaps, the most interesting thing about Mrs. Curry is that she actually grew up in Gibson City and attended school here until her family moved to Minnesota in her freshman year of high school.
Her favorite thing about her job is "connecting with students and families while assisting them to be successful". Please help us welcome Mrs. Curry back to the Falcon Family!
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We #FalconProud to share that GCMS alum and former teacher Michelle Schultz has been chosen for the St Louis Bombshells, the professional dance troupe associated with the St Louis Ambush, an indoor professional soccer team. Ms Schultz was a member of the dance team while in high school; we’re always excited to see “our kids” continue to pursue their passion! Congratulations Michelle!
![Michelle Schultz](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/930319/large_1597427969000.jpeg)
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Please help us welcome Dr. Amber Hays to the Falcon Family!
Dr. Hays will be serving as the school psychologist for the whole GCMS school district. This year will be her 11th year as a school psychologist; it's a job that she always wanted to do--she even shadowed a school psychologist in high school! Some of her hobbies include musical theater, cooking, taking care of her cats, and reading. Her all-time favorite childhood book is “Where the Red Fern Grows” but she also loves the Harry Potter series and has even been sorted into Slytherin house! Dr. Hays’ favorite thing to teach is using puppets to teach preschool children about emotions and friendships. When asked what she is looking forward to about GCMS, Dr. Hays reported “I am so very excited to work with students with disabilities from preschool all the way through high school! I can’t wait to start getting to know students and their families!!!”
Sounds like you will fit right in here at GCMS, Dr. Hays! Welcome to the Falcon Family team! #IChoseGCMS
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We are #FalconProud to welcome back another hometown graduate to our teaching staff this fall!
Mr. Jeremiah Benison was born and raised in Gibson City and graduated in the class of 2001. His wife, Melissa, is also a graduate of GCMS and they have one son, Brady. This fall, Mr. Benison will be teaching the Computers “special” at GCMS Elementary School. His favorite video games are Fortnite and Magic Arena. Right now he is reading “Dwarves” by Markus Heitz--some of his other favorite epic fantasy novels include the “Sword of Truth” Series by Terry Goodkind, “Lord of the Rings” by JRR Tolkein, and the “Inheritance” cycle by Christopher Paolini.
When asked about what other details he thinks families would be interested in Mr. Benison stated “I am the local Cubmaster in Rantoul in addition to being a self described geek, I love to be outside camping and hiking. I love all sports but especially football. My favorite team is the New England Patriots. We have two guinea pigs named Kylo and Chewy just like the star wars characters which me and my son are big fans of!”
We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Benison back into the Falcon community! #IChoseGCMS
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Take a look at some information about the Middle School's 1st Day of School!
![1st Day of Middle School 2020](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/928389/large_1st_Day_Graphic.jpg)
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Just a reminder that we have a school supply drop off for 1-5 grades from 4-6 pm tonight at the elem. school. You will drive up into the circle drive and we will take the supplies (do not get out of your car) . If you ordered a supply box it is already in your child's class.
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Updated schedules for Middle School Baseball and Softball are now available in the Athletics section of our app and website! You can also find printable schedules in our Documents section. https://www.gcmsk12.org/o/gcms/athletics?filter=96243
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School Starts Next Week:
August 19th - Kindergarten - 12th Grade 8:20-2:20
August 20th - PreK - 12th Grade 8:20 - 2:20
August 21st - Prek - 12th Grade 8:20 -2:20
Please remember to drop off after 8:00 am and be patient when driving near schools!
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Can you guess which new teacher these trivia facts belong to?
A long-time 4-H member where she showed cows and rabbits.
A horseback rider and barrel racer.
A volleyball and softball player
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.
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If you guessed, Ms. Kelli Slagel, you were right!
Ms. Slagel will be teaching 4th grade at GCMS Elementary this fall. This will be her first year teaching and she is very excited “to get involved in a great community where I know I can grow and flourish”! Her favorite children’s book is Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Ms. Slagel’s is the oldest of three children and is originally from Fairbury where her dad is a farmer and road commissioner and her mom owns a house cleaning business. Outdoors is where you will find Ms. Slagel whenever she has free time!
Welcome the the Falcon Family, Ms. Slagel!
#IChoseGCMS
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6th Grade Transition Night
Reminder to drop off and pick your students promptly at the designated times. There will be no parents allowed in and all students are required to wear masks.
![6th Grade Transition Night](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/927076/large_Tranistion_Night_2020.png)
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Amazing donation from the Thomas McCormick Tutoring Program and First Presbyterian Church of Gibson City. $10,000 to help offset the challenges of Covid-19 and this year!!
![Pictures are Pastor Ray Lance, Jeremy Darnell, and Mary Clow delivering 10k to the kids of GCMS!](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/927030/large_1597236435000.jpeg)
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2nd Grade teachers at GCMS adapt a classic tale from Dr. Seuss. https://youtu.be/QVONbez9fOA
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Check out the many masks of Mr. Kean! https://youtu.be/e0n6udlGHw0
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Attention ES Families - Your students classes are now viewable on Lumen which can be found on our App and the Menu of our website. Click on course info then roll down to see your Homeroom. Email djworth@gcmsk12.org for your login information
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Special Education teachers look forward to seeing everyone at the Middle School. Don't forget your masks! https://youtu.be/OYaUjoIDre4
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Kindergarten Families
Info about our transition night should have already arrived. Each family has been assigned a 30 min time slot during the evening of Thurs., August 13th between 5:00-7:00. If you are a K parent and did not receive it, please call 217-784-4278. Thanks!
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Pre K families
Information about our transition night should be arriving by mail (hopefully today). Each family will have a 15 min time slot scheduled on Tuesday, August 11th between 5:00-7:00 to come meet staff and see the classroom.
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High School Tennis tryouts are next week! All athletes please verify you have turned in the necessary paperwork to the high school office.
Monday, Aug. 10th 3:30-5:30
Tuesday, Aug. 11th 3:30-5:30
Thursday, Aug. 13th 3:30-5:30
Friday, Aug. 14th 3:30-5:30
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Our very kind librarian encourages you to be kind to others as we return to school! https://youtu.be/VkUICQpv7S0
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Guess what these names all have in common: Diezel, Piper, Roxy, Nora, Sofia, and The Rock?
Answer: Those are the names of the kiddos and pets who live with our newest Falcon Family faculty member!
Mrs. Manda Paris will be joining the 2nd grade team of teachers this August. In her free time she loves to sing, dance, and spend time with her family. This summer they even went zip-lining together! Mrs. Paris owns a DIY business where some of her very first customers were a group from Gibson City. She knows it is a supportive community and looks forward to working with such wonderful staff members. Welcome the Falcon Family Diezel, Piper, Roxy, Nora, Sofia, The Rock, AND Mrs. Paris!
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